Revolving parachute



March 21, 1933. K. J. GIRDWOOD REVOLVING PARACHUTE Filed July 16, 1932without damage to itself or to that.

Patented Mar. 21, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application filedJuly 16 This invention relates to a device which I term a revolvingparachute, for delivering mail or the like from aeroplanes or otherairbe damaged when the device comes to the ground.

This invention also consists in certain other features of constructionand in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, to behereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing,and specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

In describing the invention in detail, reference will be had to theaccompanying drawing wherein like characters denote like orcorresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which Figure 1is a side view of the device.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view. I

Fig. 3 is a. transverse sectional view through that part of the deviceprovided with the compartment.

Fig. 4 is a similar view but showing a slight modification.

In the drawing, the numeral 1 designates an elongated substantiallystraight frame or member having the base 2 of yoke construction so thatw en the plates 3 are attached to the sides thereof, a compartment 4will be formed to receive articles .such as mail or the like; the lowerend of this compartment being closed by a door 5.

The top of the member 1 is curved as shown at 1 and likewise the ribs 6are curved and each has one end solidly united to one edge of member 1.The blade forming part ,7 1s firmly united to member 1 from the curvedpart 1' to the yoke end 2 and to the ribs 6. When the'device descendsthrough the air the curved ribs cause afriction and this together withthe proper center of gravity of the whole device causes it to revolve orrotate to such an extent that it will come to glrpimd cles 1932. Serial110. 622,954.

within the chamber or compartment 4. It

will. be seen that the device somewhat resembles a seed pod of certaintrees.

While the drawing shows the ribs on both sides of the blade formingmember, they may, if desired, be placed on but one side and any numberof ribs may be used and; of course, the device can be made from anysuitable material or various materials as desired. When made of sheetmetal the parts would be simply pressed from thin sheet.

Fi 2 and 3 show the side parts of the mem er having plates 3 of anysuitable material fastened to the sides of yoke 2 forming the chamber orcompartment 4, while Fig. 4 shows the entire member formed with metalportions which are welded or otherwise fastened together. The devicesomewhat resembles a blade of a propeller and is formed so as to-givethe device a rotary movement as it descends through the air. It will ofcourse be understood that the chamber 4 can be divided into severalcompartments'instead of the one.

It is thought from the foregoing description that the advantages andnovel features of the invention will be readily apparent.

It is to be understood that changes may be made in the construction, andin the combination and arrangement of the several parts, provided'thatsuch changes fall within the edge of the appended claims.

' aving thus described my invention, what I claim as new is 1. Aparachute of the class described comprising a body somewhat in the formof a single propeller blade and composed of a stem formm member havingan enlar ed' base part, a lade member having one e ge fixed to the stemforming member and formed of a sheet of material, curved ribs fastenedat one face of the blade member and each' having one end firmly unitedwith the stem forming member, said ribsbe' exposed and acting to stifienthe member an to' ether with the proper center of gravity of t e devicegives the device a rotating'movement as it descends through the air anda chamber formed in the base of the stem. 4

-" 2. A parachute of the class described comlot a body made somewhat inthe form of a single propeller blade and including a stem formingmember, a blade formi member formed of a sheet of material and aving 5one edge fastened to an edge of the' stem member at the longitudinalcenter of said edge of the stem member, exposed curved ribs fastened inspaced relation to each face of the blade member and each having one endfastened to said ed e of the stem member and a chamber forme in the baseof the stem member.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

KENNET J. GIRDWOOD.

